At times in my consulting and training work, different managers will tell me that they ignore office politics and just do their jobs. They explain that good work and a high performing team are all they need in their management role to be influential in their organizations and to support their team. I explain that [.].

My friend and co-author Orrin Woodward, and fellow founder of LIFE, recently posted an article on his blog about the surprise purchase his wife Laurie made of a custom convertible Dodge Challenger. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more!

I was interviewing one of the managers who reported to my seasoned middle-manager client (“Susan”), who was also relatively new to her current position. This was one of several interviews on her behalf that had included my client’s manager, peers, and direct reports. I had asked the current interviewee the usual questions about my MORE >>

Posted in Leadership Development Today’s guest post is by Mike Figliuolo, (@thoughtLEADERS) the author of One Piece of Paper: The Simple Approach to Powerful, Personal Leadership (you can get your copy by clicking here). You can learn more about Mike and his book at the end of the post. Here’s Mike: I hate the use of the word “just” [.] MORE >>

Image source I’ve seen frustrated leaders say things like, “That’s the way it’s going to be.” It’s their end game when confused or resistant people push them. It works with two year olds who fear punishment. It works with employees who have a high need to please. Regardless, leadership by decree indicates loss of leadership. Warning [.]. MORE >>

Knowledge industry, particularly software, is full of people who possess “ know-how ” – knowledge of how to get something done. Give them a task, and they will be able to apply their technical skills (read ‘know-how’) to accomplish it. A lot of people possess a very sound “ know-what ” – knowledge of facts, figures and methods. Is it adding value? MORE >>

This is a guest post from Betty Hintch, editor of First-Rate Customer Service Forum. Being a manager is time consuming. If you accept that fact, you won’t resent the extra hours you spend at the office. Even though you have more on your plate as a manager, you can slice some of those extra hours in half by adopting time-saving strategies. MORE >>